“F.T.A.” is a documentary about a political troupe headed by actors Jane Fonda and Donald Sutherland which traveled to towns near military bases in the US in the early 1970s. The group put on shows called “F.T.A.,” which stood for “Free the Army” or “Fuck the Army,” and was aimed at convincing soldiers to voice their opposition to the Vietnam War, which was raging at the time. Various singers, actors, and other entertainers performed antiwar songs and skits during the show.
In 1971, Jane Fonda, Donald Sutherland, and a handful of popular artists toured Southeast Asia to oppose the US Wars in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. Fonda considered the typical USO Tours to be “sexist and racist” and unlike Bob Hope, this humor actually subverted the military. Sutherland and Fonda had just completed the iconic mystery “Klute” and rather than lining up their next roles or lounging poolside at the Beverly Hills Hotel, they used their status to protest. “F.T.A.” translates to Foxtrot Tango Alpha, or Fuck The Army, which is worked into a ditty sung by Fonda, and a backing band.
Directed by Francine Roy, she does a fabulous job of capturing the stage antics, some locals near the bases, and the occupying troops. Her interviews with veterans and enlisted men display the quagmire of the Vietnam War and their disenchantment with the disastrous campaign. A black Marine declares he’s not interested in fighting against the Vietnamese since they’re not oppressing him back home. In between powerful statements like these, various attendees shout their agreement using classic sayings such as “out of sight” and “right on!”
Speeches, sketches, and songs mocking the stupidity and brutality doled out by the US military are well received by the audiences in attendance at the Japanese and Filipino Bases. In a great scene, Sutherland recites some personal words and feelings on the nature of war before reading “Johnny Got His Gun” aloud. A harrowing trip to the museum in Okinawa memorializing victims of the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki is a blazing reminder of what Col. Kurtz referred to as “The Horror.”
I always wonder, what happened to young, popular celebrities caring about contemporary politics in a meaningful way? I can’t recall a millennial or GenZ celebrity using their personal time and labor to fight for meaningful political issues. Today the #Activisms are lazy by relying on posting instead of making any direct-engagement that could transcend politics and lead to significant change. Fonda stated in her newly taped interview that she recognized the Vietnam War was not only an imperialist concern but a class issue as well. Even though she grew up as Hollywood Royalty, amazingly, she harnessed a knack for dialectical thinking by maintaining solidarity with oppressed people. Upon reflection, the cliché “they don’t make them like they used to” holds a lot more weight.
Opens in virtual cinemas through Kino Marquee Friday, March 5th
